Geotagging, Social Media, and the Workplace: Tips to Help Keep Yourself Out of Trouble

Social media is convenient for viewing cute photos of your nephew in the same newsfeed where your colleagues’ post must-read articles about your industry. But it may be less convenient, not very private, and possibly unprofessional when information about where you were and what you were doing—namely through geotagging—shows up in your boss’ newsfeed.

Geotagging, if you don’t know, is the use of geographical information metadata added to photos (or videos or texts) that shows users information about where the photo was taken. On Instagram, for example, a new “Photo Map” feature shows a world map with pinpoints indicating where your photos were taken, so specific at times that photos taken at opposite ends of a city block will appear that way on your map. That is, if you grant permission in your settings.

It’s a fun feature for silly photos or for bragging rights: showing exactly where you were on a ferry ride on a Saturday afternoon is entertaining and cute. Hence, it’s not so fun if, say, you attend a party at the home of a colleague where only a few people from the office—not Jane and Mary—were invited. Will you “check in” at the party, and do Jane and Mary see your updates? Would they be hurt that they weren’t invited? Or would you take a seemingly discreet photo during a quick lunch and post it to one of your accounts without realizing that you’ve shown a map to the establishment around the corner that everyone in the office knows only serves beer and wine?

Social media missteps can cause all sorts of problems. Boundaries can be crossed, feelings can be hurt, and even safety can be compromised, so safeguard yourself from accidentally over-sharing by keeping a few things in mind.

First, consider removing geotagging on your photos, or at least be vigilant when using it. Take a page from MythBuster’s Adam Savage: a while back he Tweeted a photo of his Jeep with the accompanying text saying, “Now it’s off to work.” As he didn’t remove geotagging, savvy followers were tipped off not only as to where he lived, but also that he wasn’t at home, potentially alerting thieves. Check your phone’s settings and turn off the geotagging settings to ensure your location isn’t embedded in the image data if you think it may be an issue.

If you share photos on a map, remember that you’re also giving people insight into where you are most days.

Second, another tagging no-no: Don’t identify people in photos you upload without their permission. It may seem like a perfectly fine idea to share photos of your colleague’s house party, but resist the urge. They might not want others seeing them in what might be considered a non-professional position.

Third, think twice before adding your photo to an Instagram map. Searching Instagram photos by geography is a fun feature, but think about whether you want it to be your default option, which is a choice. Consider the privacy of others included in the photo, or update before you use the map feature. Are you at a friend’s house? Maybe they don’t want their home’s interior and location shared with the world. With some friends at an event? Perhaps they’d prefer to be discreet about their whereabouts and wouldn’t appreciate having it broadcast.

Finally, another thing to consider is your routine. Are you taking photos of the subway every morning during your commute? Or of your home office during the work week? If you’re sharing on the map, remember that you’re also giving people insight into where you are most days…and also where you aren’t.